By: Fr. John Burger
From the interview with Columban seminarian Philip Bonifacio taken by Fr. John Burger while Philip was on overseas training in Japan
‘Seeing missionaries at work with sugar workers changed my view of the church, which I had experienced in a strictly sacramental way. These missionaries were different; doing justice. This was a way of seeing the church not just as the hierarchy, but as the people of God. It broadened my view of Church. Where the Church is there is life for people, hope for people. Helping people see their rights as workers and as human beings. The poor are not the only ones that the Church is for, but the church is like a mother who gives special care to a crippled child, a child with special needs, even though she still loves the others.
‘I feel I am not just a student but am already a missionary. My work is not something in the future but has begun already. I am not yet equipped with all the language skills that I need, but I find myself very at home with people who come to my level. In my pastoral placement I’ve spent a lot of time with old people and young children. Children don’t hesitate to come to me, and the old want someone to listen to them,”
They are lucky to have a gentle listener like Philip.